Method for operating a first and a second food machine, storage device, and food machine

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a first food machine (1), in particular a food processing machine or a food packaging machine, and a second food machine (2), in particular a food processing machine or a food packaging machine, wherein a data set required to operate the first food machine (1) is stored on a first storage unit (1.1) of the first food machine (1), and the data set required to operate the first food machine (1) is additionally stored on a second storage unit (2.1) of the second food machine (2).

Description

State of the art

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for operating a first food processing machine, in particular a food processing machine or food packaging machine, and a second food processing machine, in particular a food processing machine or food packaging machine. The invention further relates to a storage device for a food processing machine, in particular a food processing machine or a food packaging machine. Further aspects of the invention include a food processing machine, in particular a food processing machine or a food packaging machine, with a storage device, and a production line comprising a first food processing machine, in particular a food processing machine or a food packaging machine, and a second food processing machine, in particular a food processing machine or a food packaging machine.

[0002] Food processing machines, such as those used for slicing or cutting, or packaging, particularly form-fill-seal machines, are typically highly configurable. This allows for the production of various food products and / or different packaging, or the packaging of food products in different types of packaging, using the same machine. The configuration of these food processing machines is typically stored in a data set located in the machine's memory. Often, the data set can be modified by the machine operator, for example, to adapt the configuration to changes in production or to switch production to a different product.

[0003] Under certain error conditions, data loss can occur in the food processing machine's memory. In such a case, the food processing machine usually requires relatively complex, and possibly even manual, configuration to allow production to resume.

[0004] US Patent 7,299,103 B1 discloses a system comprising a first and a second packaging machine, wherein a data set required for operating the first packaging machine is stored in a memory unit of the first packaging machine. The data set of the first packaging machine can be transferred by a technician to a second memory unit of the second packaging machine in order to operate the second packaging machine using the data set of the first packaging machine.

[0005] German patent DE 10 2008 020219 A1 describes a packaging machine comprising a programmable logic controller (PLC), an operator panel with a human-machine interface (HMI), and a computer running an HMI operating system and an application program. The operator panel is connected to an external storage medium containing at least the HMI operating system and the application program in a self-executing version. In the event of a user interface failure, a virtual computer is created on a backup computer using the storage medium. This virtual computer runs the HMI operating system and the application program and is connected to the packaging machine's programmable logic controller, taking over its control. Disclosure of the invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to increase the availability of a food processing machine or a production line with several food processing machines.

[0007] To solve the problem, the invention proposes a method for operating a first food processing machine, in particular a food processing machine or food packaging machine, and a second food processing machine, in particular a food processing machine or food packaging machine, with the features of claim 1.

[0008] By storing the data set required for operating the first food processing machine in both the first and second storage units, as provided for in the invention, data recovery after data loss in the first storage unit can be facilitated. Such recovery can be achieved by transferring a copy of the data set from the second storage unit to the first storage unit. This allows the first food processing machine, and consequently the production line of which the first food processing machine is a part, to be reactivated more quickly, thereby increasing the availability of the food processing machine and the production line.

[0009] According to the invention, the required data set of the first food processing machine is not necessary for the operation of the second food processing machine, for example, if the first and second food processing machines are not identical or of the same type. This can be the case if the first food processing machine is a slicing machine and the second food processing machine is a form-fill-seal packaging machine. Alternatively, the first and second food processing machines can be of the same type but perform different process steps. This can be the case if both the first and second food processing machines are form-fill-seal packaging machines. In this case, the data set required for the operation of the first food processing machine is uniquely assigned to the first food processing machine.

[0010] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the data set is transmitted to the second storage unit of the second food processing machine via a wireless or wired communication link. Preferably, the data set is transmitted from the first food processing machine to the second food processing machine. Alternatively, the data set can be transmitted from a production line control unit to the second storage unit of the second food processing machine and preferably also to the first storage unit of the first food processing machine.

[0011] An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the data set for operating the first food processing machine comprises configuration data for operating the first food processing machine and / or input data and / or user data. Configuration data describes the specific design of the food processing machine, for example, the type of stations, the sequence of stations, or the number of stations, such as cutting stations like longitudinal or transverse cutting stations, or details of stations, such as the cutting stroke. Input data is acquired by an input device of the first food processing machine. This input data can be parameters of the food processing machine or relate to it, for example, properties of the food processing machine that can be specified by an operator.Such parameters can include, for example, time specifications for activating and / or deactivating elements of the food processing machine, information on the activation state of functions or elements of the food processing machine, or other adjustable physical quantities and / or setpoints of control loops. Input data can include, for example, dimensions of packaging or order data such as order number, batch number, number of packages, recipe to be used, packaging films and labels to be used, user comments, and / or data serving only informational purposes. The data set required for the operation of the first food processing machine within the meaning of the invention specifically does not include measured values ​​used for controlling the packaging machine.However, the data set required for operating the first food processing machine may include measured values ​​that can be used to generate information presentable to a user of the food processing machine. Such user-presentable information may include, for example, statistical information and / or reference information and / or deviations from a reference value or reference trend that occur during the operation of the food processing machine.

[0012] The operator of the food processing machine could be a worker, a shift supervisor and / or a maintenance worker.

[0013] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the data set for operating the first food processing machine includes user data. This user data can, for example, include user-specific authorization data and / or user-specific machine settings, such as user-specific display settings.

[0014] According to the invention, one embodiment is provided in which a loss of the data set in the first storage unit of the first food processing machine is detected, and the data set is transferred from the second storage unit of the second food processing machine to the first storage unit. By transferring the data set to the first storage unit, the data loss can be compensated for, and the first food processing machine can be brought into a functional state.

[0015] It is particularly advantageous if a loss of input data or user data of the data set is detected in the first storage unit of the first food processing machine and the input data or user data of the data set is transferred from the second storage unit of the second food processing machine to the first storage unit. According to such a configuration, a partial loss of data from the data set, i.e., of input data or user data, can be compensated for by partially restoring the data set, i.e., only the input data or user data, or even just a part thereof, such as the lost portion.

[0016] According to the invention, one embodiment of the method is characterized by the detection of a loss of the data set in the first storage unit of the first food processing machine, and the control of the first food processing machine by a control unit of the second food processing machine using the data set stored in the second storage unit. In such an embodiment, the control unit of the second food processing machine takes over the control of the first food processing machine. This takeover can be temporary, for example, until the data set required for operation is restored in the first storage unit of the first food processing machine. Alternatively, the second food processing machine can permanently take over the control of the first food processing machine.

[0017] An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the data set for operating the first food processing machine comprises order data for a first order, which is transmitted by an order data management system via a wireless or wired communication link. The order data may contain data relating to the products to be manufactured according to the order and / or serial numbers and / or batch information.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, if order data for a second order is not provided by the order data management system, order data for the first order is transferred from the second storage unit of the second food processing machine to the first storage unit. By transferring the data set to the first storage unit, the data loss can be compensated for using data from a previous order, and the first food processing machine can be brought back to a functional state. This may require manually adjusting some data, such as serial numbers and / or batch information.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment, the first and second food processing machines are part of a common production line comprising several food processing machines, which includes a third food processing machine. An additional data set required for the operation of the second food processing machine is stored in the second storage unit of the second food processing machine, and this additional data set is also stored in a third storage unit of the third food processing machine. This linking of each pair of different food processing machines for storing a copy of the respective relevant data set forms a chain. If the first food processing machine fails, a copy of the data set required for the first food processing machine can be transferred from the second food processing machine.Simultaneously, the second food processing machine is secured by a copy of its data set stored in another food processing machine. Therefore, a loss of the data set in the first storage unit of the first food processing machine has no negative impact on the second food processing machine.

[0020] An advantageous embodiment provides that the first food processing machine and the second food processing machine are part of a common production line consisting of several food processing machines, wherein, in particular, all data records required for the operation of the production line consisting of several food processing machines are stored in the first storage unit of the first food processing machine and in the second storage unit of the second food processing machine. Because several, in particular all, data records are stored in the first and second storage units, in the event of the loss of one of the data records, either the first storage unit or the second storage unit can be used to transfer the respective data record to the respective food processing machine.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment, the first food processing machine and the second food processing machine are part of a common production line of several food processing machines, which includes a third food processing machine, wherein a data set required for the operation of the first food processing machine is stored in the first storage unit of the first food processing machine, and wherein the data set required for the operation of the first food processing machine is additionally stored in a second storage unit of the second food processing machine, wherein a further data set required for the operation of the second food processing machine is stored in the second storage unit of the second food processing machine, and wherein the further data set required for the operation of the second food processing machine is additionally stored in a third storage unit of the third food processing machine.wherein an additional data set required for the operation of the third food processing machine is stored in the third storage unit of the third food processing machine, and wherein the additional data set required for the operation of the third food processing machine is also stored in the first storage unit of the first food processing machine. By linking three different food processing machines to store a copy of the respective relevant data set, a ring is formed.

[0022] In the event of a failure of the first food processing machine, a copy of the data set required for the first machine can be transferred from the second machine. Simultaneously, the second machine is backed up by a copy of its data set stored in another machine. Similarly, the third machine is backed up by a copy of its data set stored in yet another machine.A loss of the data set in the first storage unit of the first food processing machine therefore has no negative impact on the second and third food processing machines; likewise, a loss of the data set in the second storage unit of the second food processing machine therefore has no negative impact on the first and third food processing machines; furthermore, a loss of the data set in the third storage unit of the third food processing machine has no negative impact on the first and second food processing machines.

[0023] The expert understands that other combinations of pairwise storage of a data set are also possible.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the data set required for operating the first food processing machine is selected, wherein an indicator is detected by a detection device for the purpose of selecting the data set, and the data set is determined from a list of predefined data sets by a selection unit depending on the detected indicator. The indicator can, for example, be applied to or arranged on an order document or a container.

[0025] Preferably, the indicator is an optically detectable indicator, for example, a barcode or a two-dimensional code, and the detection device is an optical detection device, for example, a barcode detection device or a detection device for detecting a two-dimensional code. Alternatively, the indicator can be an indicator detectable by an electromagnetic field, for example, an RFID transponder, and the detection device is a detection device for reading an indicator detectable by an electromagnetic field, for example, an RFID reader.

[0026] A storage device for a food processing machine, in particular a food processing machine or a food packaging machine, is also described, characterized in that the storage device is configured to receive, store and transmit a data set required for the operation of another food processing machine to the other food processing machine.

[0027] Also described is a food processing machine, in particular a food processing machine or a food packaging machine, with a storage device as described above.

[0028] The food processing machine can be designed, for example, as a cutting machine, defroster, cutter, mixer, thermoforming packaging machine, vertical form filling and sealing machine or horizontal form filling and sealing machine.

[0029] The food processing machine may be suitable for meat, poultry, fish / seafood, cheese, meat substitutes, protein substitutes such as those made from insects or mushrooms, farmed meat, vegetables, pizza, bread, baked goods, pastries, biscuits or similar items.A food processing machine, especially a meat processing machine, may be configured as a defrosting, chopping, mixing, tumbler, grinding, emulsifying, marinating, massaging, meat injector, filtration machine for brine and / or meat ingredients, brine cooling machine, meat press, freezing machine, defrosting machine, tenderizer, shaking machine, fat analysis machine, pumping machine, grinding machine, forming or portioning machine, coating machine such as dough / breading / crumbing / cooking oil machine, dust removal machine, drying / cooking / browning / frying / steaming / sous-vide machine, roasting machine, grill, smoking machine, frying oil filter machine, oven / heating / cooking system, food scanner, slicing machine, scale, foreign object detection system such as metal / plastic / bones, cleaning system for the food contact area, e.g.for injection needles, or transport system, filling / loading and / or unloading system and / or conveying system and / or dosing system. The food packaging machine can be configured as a thermoforming packaging machine, vertical or horizontal form-fill-seal machine, bottle filling machine, filling machine, labeler / printer, lollipop forming / cooling / wrapping machine, lollipop packaging machine, sugar cube forming / drying / packaging machine, or dispenser. Alternatively, the food packaging machine can be an automation / control / line control system for one or more of the aforementioned machines.

[0030] Another subject of the invention is a production line with the features of claim 13.

[0031] The food processing machine may also have a communication interface for receiving and / or sending data. This communication interface may be coupled with a wireless or wired communication link.

[0032] Further details, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the drawings and from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. The drawings merely illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention, which do not limit the inventive concept. Brief description of the character

[0033] The Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a production line according to an embodiment of the invention. Embodiments of the invention

[0034] In the various figures, identical parts are always marked with the same reference symbols and are therefore usually only named or mentioned once.

[0035] The representation in Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a production line 10, which consists of several, here four, food processing machines 1, 2, 3, 4. The production line 10, in particular the individual food processing machines 1, 2, 3, 4, are connected to an order data management system 20, via which the food processing machines 1, 2, 3, 4 can be configured to produce orders stored in the order data management system 20.

[0036] The food processing machines 1, 2, 3, 4 each comprise a storage unit 1.1, 2.1, 3.1, 4.1, in which a data set required for the operation of the first food processing machine 1 is stored. Another component of the food processing machines is an operating unit 1.2, 2.2, 3.2, 4.2, via which an operator can enter data. This data can be converted into input data for the operation of the respective food processing machine 1, 2, 3, 4 and stored in the respective storage unit 1.1, 2.1, 3.1, 4.1 as part of the data set. The operating unit 1.2, 2.2, 3.2, 4.2 can be designed as part of a combined operating and display unit, for example, as a touch-sensitive screen. Furthermore, the food processing machines 1, 2, 3, 4 each include a control unit 1.3, 2.3, 3.3, 4.3, which controls the respective food processing machine 1, 2, 3, 4. For control purposes, the control unit 1.3, 2.3, 3.3, 4 reads...3. Data from the respective data set is extracted from storage unit 1.1, 2.1, 3.1, 4.1 of the food processing machine.

[0037] In production line 10 according to the exemplary embodiment, four food processing machines 1, 2, 3, 4 are arranged in a process flow such that processing begins in a first food processing machine 1, the products of the first food processing machine 1 are transferred to a second food processing machine 2, the products of the second food processing machine 2 are transferred to a third food processing machine 3, and the products of the third food processing machine 3 are transferred to a fourth food processing machine 4. The food processing machines 1, 2, 3, 4 can be configured either as food processing machines or as food packaging machines.For example, the first food processing machine 1, the second food processing machine 2, and the third food processing machine 3 can be designed as a food processing machine, and the fourth food processing machine 4, which follows the first three food processing machines 1, 2, 3 in the process flow, can be designed as a food packaging machine.

[0038] To ensure the highest possible availability of production line 10, special measures have been implemented in production line 10 according to the exemplary embodiment. A data set required for operating the first food processing machine 1 is stored both in a first storage unit 1.1 of the first food processing machine 1 and in a second storage unit 2.1 of the second food processing machine 2. This facilitates the restoration of the data set after data loss in the first storage unit 1.1 and thus increases the availability of production line 10.

[0039] For example, an operator of the first food processing machine 1 can generate input data for operating the first food processing machine 1 via the control unit 1.2. This data is stored in the first storage unit 1.1. To ensure that this data is also available in the second food processing machine in case of loss, the input data, or the complete data set stored in the first storage unit 1.1, is transmitted to the second storage unit 2.1 of the second food processing machine 2 via a wireless or wired communication connection 5. The data set can also include user data, such as user-specific authorization data and / or user-specific machine settings, e.g., user-specific display settings.

[0040] In production line 10 according to the exemplary embodiment, pairs of food processing machines 1, 2, 3, 4 are formed with respect to storage units 1.1, 2.1, 3.1, 4.1, and are nested in a chain. This means that the second storage unit 2.1 stores the data set required to operate the first food processing machine 1, and the third storage unit 3.1 of the third food processing machine 3 stores the data set required to operate the second food processing machine 2. The fourth storage unit 4.1 of the fourth food processing machine 4 stores the data set required to operate the third food processing machine 3.

[0041] According to a modification of the exemplary embodiment, it can be provided that all data records required for the operation of production line 10 for the individual food processing machines 1, 2, 3, 4 are stored both in the first storage unit 1.1 of the first food processing machine 1 and in the second storage unit 2.1 of the second food processing machine 2. Preferably, all these data records are also stored in the third storage unit 3.1 and in the fourth storage unit 4.1, and particularly preferably in the storage units of all food processing machines 1, 2, 3, 4 of production line 10.

[0042] The food processing machines 1, 2, 3, 4, in particular their respective control units 1.3, 2.3, 3.3, 4.3, are configured to detect a fault condition in the respective food processing machine 1, 2, 3, 4, in particular in the storage unit 1.1, 2.1, 3.1, 4.1. Furthermore, the control units 1.3, 2.3, 3.3, 4.3 are configured to restore the data record from a copy in a storage unit 1.1, 2.1, 3.1, 4.1 of another food processing machine 1, 2, 3, 4 in the event of a detected fault and / or a detected loss of the data record in the respective storage unit 1.1, 2.1, 3.1, 4.1. For example, an error and / or a detected loss of the data record in the first storage unit 1.1 of the first food processing machine 1 can be detected and the data record from the second storage unit 2.1 of the second food processing machine 2 can be transferred to the first storage unit 1.1 of the first food processing machine 1 will be transferred.

[0043] When transferring data from the second to the first storage unit 1.1, the complete data set can be transferred. Alternatively, it is possible to transfer only those data from the second storage unit 2.1 to the first storage unit 1.1 whose loss has been detected. For example, a loss of input data or user data from the data set in the first storage unit 1.1 of the first food processing machine 1 can be detected, and the input data or user data from the data set can be transferred from the second storage unit 2.1 of the second food processing machine 2 to the first storage unit 1.1.

[0044] Additionally, it can be provided that, in the event of a loss of the data record in the first storage unit 1.1 of the first food processing machine 1, the first food processing machine 1 is controlled by the second control unit 2.3 of the second food processing machine 2 using the data record stored in the second storage unit 2.1. The control of the first food processing machine 1 by the second control unit can be temporary, for example, until the data record in the first storage unit 1.1 is restored and / or the first food processing machine is fully operational again.

[0045] Once the data set for operating the first food processing machine 1 is restored in the first storage unit, the first food processing machine 1 can be controlled using the data set and the first control unit 1.3.

[0046] The data set for operating the first food processing machine 1 can include order data for an initial order, which is transmitted by the order data management system 20 via a wireless or wired communication link 21. It is conceivable that—for example, after the transmission of the first order—the order data management system 20 may fail or the communication link 21 to the order data management system 20 may be defective. In such a case, i.e., if order data for a second order is not provided by the order data management system 20, order data for the first order is transferred from the second storage unit 2.1 of the second food processing machine 2 to the first storage unit 1.1. Any missing order data for the second order, such as serial numbers and / or batch information, is then manually adjusted, e.g.,by an input from an operator at the first control unit 1.2 of the first food processing machine 1. Reference symbol list

[0047] 1 Food processing machine 1.1 Storage unit 2 Food processing machine 2.1 Storage unit 3 Food processing machine 3.1 Storage unit 4 Food processing machine 4.1 Storage unit 5 Communication link 10 Production line 20 Order data management system

Claims

1. Method for operating a first food machine (1), in particular a food processing machine or food packaging machine, and a second food machine (2), in particular a food processing machine or food packaging machine, wherein a data set required for operating the first food machine (1) is stored in a first storage unit (1.1) of the first food machine (1), and wherein the data set required for operating the first food machine (1) is additionally stored in a second storage unit (2.1) of the second food machine (2), wherein the data set required for operating the first food machine (1) is not required for operating the second food machine (2), wherein a loss of the data set in the first storage unit (1.1) of the first food machine (1) is detected, and the data set is transferred from the second storage unit (2.1) of the second food processing machine (2) to the first storage unit (1.1) and / or the first food machine (1) is controlled by a control device (2.3) of the second food machine (2) using the data set stored in the second storage unit (2.1).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the data set is transferred to the second storage unit (2.1) of the second food machine (2) via a wireless or wired communication connection (5).

3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data set for operating the first food machine (1) comprises input data that is recorded with an input device (1.2) of the first food machine (1).

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data set for operating the first food machine (1) comprises user data.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a loss of input data or user data of the data set in the first storage unit (1.1) of the first food machine (1) is detected and the input data or user data of the data set is transferred from the second storage unit (2.1) of the second food processing machine (2) to the first storage unit (1.1).

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data set for operating the first food machine (1) comprises order data for a first order, which is transferred from an order data management system (20) via a wireless or wired communication connection (21).

7. Method according to claim 6, characterized in that, if order data for a second order is not provided by the order data management system (20), order data for the first order is transferred from the second storage unit (2.1) of the second food machine (2) to the first storage unit (1.1).

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first food machine (1) and the second food machine (2) are part of a common production line (10) of several food machines (1, 2, 3, 4) comprising a third (3) food machine, wherein a further data set required for operating the second food machine (2) is stored in the second storage unit (2.1) of the second food machine (2), and wherein the further data set required for operating the second food machine (2) is additionally stored in a third storage unit (3.1) of the third food machine (3).

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first food machine (1) and the second food machine (2) are part of a common production line (10) of several food machines (1, 2, 3, 4), wherein, in particular all, data sets required for operating the production line (10) comprising a plurality of food machines (1, 2, 3, 4) are stored in the first storage unit (1.1) of the first food machine (1) and in the second storage unit (2.1) of the second food machine (2).

10. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first food machine (1) and the second food machine (2) are part of a common production line (10) of several food machines (1, 2, 3, 4) comprising a third food machine (3), wherein a further data set required for operating the second food processing machine (2) is stored in the second storage unit (2.1) of the second food processing machine (2), and wherein the further data set required for operating the second food machine (2) is additionally stored in a third storage unit (3.1) of the third food machine (3), wherein an additional data set required for operating the third food machine (3) is stored in the third storage unit (3.1) of the third food machine (3), and wherein the additional data set required for operating the third food machine (3) is additionally stored in the first storage unit (1.1) of the first food machine (1).

11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data set required for operating the first food machine (1) is selected, wherein, in order to select the data set, an indicator is detected by a detection device and the data set is determined from a list of predetermined data sets by a selection unit depending on the detected indicator.

12. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that the indicator is an optically detectable indicator and the detection device is an optical detection device.

13. Production line comprising a first food machine (1), in particular a food processing machine or food packaging machine, and a second food machine (2), in particular a food processing machine or food packaging machine, wherein a data set required for operating the first food machine (1) is stored in a first storage unit (1.1) of the first food machine (1), and the data set required for operating the first food machine (1) is additionally stored in a second storage unit (2.1) of the second food machine (2), wherein the data set required for operating the first food machine (1) is not required for operating the second food machine (2), wherein the production line is configured to detect a loss of the data set in the first storage unit (1.1) of the first food machine (1) and transfer the data set from the second storage unit (2.1) of the second food processing machine (2) to the first storage unit (1.1) and / or control the first food machine (1) by means of a control device (2.3) of the second food machine (2) using the data set stored in the second storage unit (2.1).

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